How to Move Grape Vine Plants

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How to Move Grape Vine Plants

Overview

Grape vines that are properly cared for can send out 6 feet of vine annually and produce upwards of 20 lbs. of fruit per growing season. Healthy plants can live up to 40 years. Because the root system grows vigorously, grape vines should be settled into their permanent growing site by their second or third growing season. Moving grape vines after this time can be a challenge

Step 1

Cut the grape vine back in the spring. Keep the main stem intact, yet cut and remove any new growth back so only two or three buds remain on the stems. Water heavily and wait at least 24 hours.

Step 2

Dig into the soil to expose the roots. Cut the roots free from the ground. The goal is to lift at least 8 to 12 inches of roots with the vine. Place the roots into a pail of water while you prepare your planting site.

Step 3

Choose a planting site that has well-draining soil and is in full sun. Dig a planting hole that will easily accommodate the roots so they do not break or bend. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the roots and as equally deep. Use a trowel to loosen the dirt in the planting hole. This will make it easier for the grape vine to take root.

Step 4

Drive a garden stake into the planting hole 5 to 6 inches to the right or left of center. Since the planting hole is twice the size of the roots in width, the stake should be around the center, but not in the direct center where the plant will be placed. The roots can then be positioned around the stake.

Step 5

Place your grape vine into the planting hole and backfill the hole with soil. Pour 2 gallons of water over the planting site. Once the water has drained, add more soil, if needed, to bring it up to ground level.

Step 6

Loosely tie the vine to the planting stake for support.

Step 7

Water the vine when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil dries out. Do not over-water. If you have adequate rainfall in your area, you may not need to water.

Step 8

Avoid adding any fertilizer the first year after transplanting. It will burn the roots.

Things You'll Need

Shovel

Gardening scissors or sharp knife

Bucket

Trowel

Garden stake

String

References

About this Author

Leigh Walker has been working as a writer since 1995. She serves as a ghostwriter for many online clients creating website content, e-books and newsletters. She works as a title flagger and writer for Demand Studios, primarily writing home and garden pieces for GardenGuides.com and eHow.com. Walker pursued an English major/psychology minor at Pellissippi State.